Wednesday, November 21, 2012

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Galaxy Quest Edition

Here's something different-- an episode of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs on a Wednesday instead of a Monday. On this edition of my favorite VGMs we will be going to infinity and beyond with the music of Super Mario Galaxy 2, one of the best games of the seventh generation of game consoles. Put on your space suit and get ready to rocket into the stars with some brilliant orchestral sights and sounds.

One of the few themes composed by Nintendo veteran musician Koji Kondo, Yoshi Star Galaxy is the second major galaxy in Mario's second 3D Wii platforming adventure. The song features lots of perky brass for this colorful galaxy. Yoshi had not been seen in a 3D Mario game since Super Mario Sunshine, and his abilities were rather limited (e.g. he couldn't enter water without disappearing). In Galaxy 2, Yoshi returned with much more usefulness.

Puzzle Plank Galaxy's theme is punctuated by a fiddle, providing the main melody. The fiddle and a sampling of synth exchange the main melody between each other. Puzzle Plank Galaxy is the first galaxy played in the second world of the game. One of its challenges has Mario riding on a ball through an obstacle-laden course.

The "throwback" in Throwback Galaxy refers to the galaxy being a recreation of the Whomp's Fortress course from Super Mario 64, Mario's first foray into 3D. Alongside the familiar sight of the fortress is the familiar sound of the theme that played in that course and many other levels too. (It was the main theme of Super Mario 64, after all.) This version of the theme features a full brass band to really liven up the experience.

Even though the actual final part of the final battle with Bowser is one of the easiest and shortest fights of Super Mario Galaxy 2, I tend to prolong the bout just so I can hear this theme in its entirety. Containing a full chorus and orchestra, the most overused word on the Internet, "epic", really fits for this piece, don't you think?

After a job well done and the universe has been saved, players can enjoy this stirring credits theme from Super Mario Galaxy 2. It features the main theme of the game and a reprise of both Sky Station Galaxy and Gusty Garden Galaxy's (from the original Super Mario Galaxy) themes. This theme is a perfect way to cap off a glorious game and a wonderful trip through space.

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Next week my favorite VGMs will be returning to its regular Monday slot. We will also be showcasing one last game for five volumes before returning to normalcy where I simply feature five completely different games every week. What will be the final game to be spotlighted? Only way to find out is to be here next Monday. For the time being, check out my VGM Database for all your VGM needs.